Status:WIP Connor Macklin has spent his entire career getting people on the right path. An up-and-coming personal fitness trainer and nutritionist, Connor has a perfect record so far of helping his clients develop better, healthier lifestyles. But he may have met his match in Jaeden Bartlett, the wild child rhythm guitarist for a chart-topping rock band. Fresh off of a ninety day stint in rehab following a personal tragedy, Jaeden is far from receptive to Connor’s upbeat motivational speeches and hardcore workout regime. But when an attraction develops between them, can they work through the past heartaches and ethical dilemmas, and find in each other that one special person who keeps you tethered to the ground?
Author Laurin Kelly Laurin Kelly is somewhat of a late bloomer - she began writing fanfiction in her early 40's in 2010 and transitioned over to original fiction in 2013.
Between 2016 and 2019, Laurin published three books and a short story through Less Than Three Press. Her debut novel, Under the Knife, won second place for Best Gay Debut Book, and was a runner up for Best Gay Contemporary Romance and Best Gay Book in the 2016 Rainbow Awards. LT3 unfortunately went out of business in 2019, and in 2020 Laurin made the decision to self-publish her backlist and any future works.
In her non-writing life, Laurin has been married for over 20 years and is the mother of a college-aged daughter. Her family is her number one cheering squad and source of unending support and love. Laurin has worked day jobs in advertising, IT, accounting and logistics, as well as having a side career for over 10 years as a professional Belly Dance teacher and instructor.
Update: author has stated the work will not be finished.
<<>>==<<>>==<<>>==<<>>==<<>>==<<>> Buddy reading with BREE and friends (aka, Whomever shows up)! After our last book and nearly a year together, I'm so happy that we have a new WIP to follow again :D
This is the second book I've read by Laurin Kelly, the first being, Under the Knife, which I loved.
This time the focus of our MM Romance is Jaeden Bartlett, rhythm guitarist for modern rock band, New Schism. Fresh out of rehab and 40lbs overweight, the 22-yo has been warned to either get his ass into shape or risk being kicked out of the band.
Connor Macklin is the personal trainer hired by the band's manager to move in with Jaeden and basically take control of his life. It won't be easy. Jaeden is currently a belligerent little shit.
Both Jaeden and Connor are very likable characters. Connor is very sweet and patient but also motivated and determined. He takes his job seriously but has a big heart.
As for Jaeden, we know there's a sensitive musician under all that pain and anger and Connor is appalled when he starts falling for his client as he starts to emerge from all the sweat and tears.
Excellent characterizations, great dialogue, good plot, interesting setting, explicit sex.